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The crucial funding boost is a result of positive discussions between North Somerset Council and Homes England, as well as the ongoing support from local MPs and the UK Government.
At April’s Full Council meeting (Tuesday 1 April), North Somerset councillors will be asked to agree to the increased funding and issue Notice to Proceed with the second stage of the bypass’ construction contract with Galliford Try.
Full council papers are available to view here. The council’s decision is the last one needed before main construction works can get underway.
Work has begun on site with good progress on early environmental works, vegetation clearance and construction of access roads having already taken place.
The funding boost recognises the hard work of North Somerset Council and everything the bypass is set to deliver. It comes almost a year after Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd’s unprecedented decision to pull out of the scheme.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council and Executive Member for Major Projects, said: “It’s good news that Homes England have given another green light to the Banwell bypass, providing the funding boost we need to continue the work already underway to build the bypass.
“Not only does the scheme form an important part of our ambition to deliver £450m of capital investment into local infrastructure, but it is also supports further economic growth for our area and helps us to deliver on our Local Plan ambitions.
“It’s set to remove a notorious congestion pinch point from Banwell village, improving links between Weston-super-Mare and the A38, whilst also providing walking, cycling and horse-riding routes to help promote sustainable travel.
“This bypass has been almost a century in the making and – together - we have overcome twists, turns and other bumps in road, pulling out all the stops as we arrive ever closer to making the scheme a reality.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has put in the work and shown their support so far. We now look forward to starting main construction ready for the bypass to open in early 2027.”
Additional funding from North Somerset Council is primarily drawn from the Economic Development Fund.
This is funding that can only be used on capital schemes as opposed to our day-to-day revenue spending. You can read more about rules around how we can spend at https://n-somerset.gov.uk/fairdeal/rules-restrictions-how-we-can-spend-our-budget
To find out more about the Banwell bypass, visit n-somerset.gov.uk/banwellbypass